SSS President Dooc faces graft probe

Carolyn Bonquin, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Steel Corporation of the Philippines (SCP), together with the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption have asked the Ombudsman to investigate Social Security System President Emmanuel Dooc for graft.

In a complaint, Dooc allegedy failed to compel insurance corporations to pay SCP a total of $38 million or P1.6 billion in claims for two separate fire incidents.

Insurers allegedly refused to pay $1.4 million for business interruption losses when a part of the steel mill first caught fire last June 8, 2008.

SCP sought for IC's assistance. However, the government insurance agency allegedly failed to act on it, even until Looc became SSS president.

"In July and August 2016, SCP sought the assistance of the IC regarding the identities of the reinsurers of the insurance companies in the second fire. Unfortunately, until today, no report has been produced neither by the IC nor by the insurance companies," the complaint read.

Complainants' lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio urged President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider Dooc's appointment, reiterating that being a San Beda graduate should not be a major consideration in appointing people in government agencies.